It was grand final heartache for Central Highlands at the Victorian Bushrangers under-18 state championships at the MCG on Sunday.
Looking for their first state title since 2013, the Highlanders had their chances against Metropolitan South East Bayside but eventually fell 35 runs short.
Highlanders coach Paull Jeffrey said it was the little things that made the difference.
Metropolitan South East Bayside batted first and was bowled out for 232 in its final allocated over.
“We’d like to have batted first and put the pressure on them to chase but we lost the toss,” Jeffrey said.
“Two of their batsmen went on to make scores and we dropped both of them when they were on about 10. It could have been a different story.
“We could have done things a bit differently.”
Bacchus Marsh’s Jack Lalor and East Ballarat’s Harli Givvens took three wickets each for the Highlanders.
At 1-91 in reply, the Highlanders appeared on track to chase down the runs with ease. But then it all went wrong and they lost 9-106 in being dismissed for 197.
“We lost wickets at crucial times,” Jeffrey said. “A few of our players were caught on the boundary, hitting the ball straight down fielders’ throats.
“They executed better in the field than we did; they fielded really well.”
With 61, Tom Rogers, originally from Gisborne, was the Highlanders’ standout batsman.
It took his total for the tournament to 338 at an average of 84.50.
“He had a fantastic week and he’s only 16,” Jeffrey said. “He’s playing Premier Cricket [for Melbourne Uni], which is amazing.
“I think he broke the record for the most runs scored by a Central Highlands batsman in an under-18 carnival.”
North Ballarat’s Jakob Tidyman made 34 in the final.
Despite the loss, Jeffrey said the competition and the chance to play on the MCG had been an amazing experience for the boys.
Five of the squad are eligible to play in the tournament again next year.
“The boys got along really well and loved the experience,” Jeffrey said. “They’ve learnt a lot and can take it back to their club cricket.”
